Public Yoga

public yogaIt is one of my beliefs that most dis-ease originates from disconnection or a sense of feeling like we don’t belong or not knowing where we belong. It is this longing to belong that underlies various behaviors that many would label as ‘addictions’, yet it is a normal, natural response to a basic human need to be connected to, accepted by, and vibe with our tribe and Mother Earth and all of the beauty and nourishment she provides for our body, mind, and soul.

It seems that our culture might be in its own universal shift or transformation, from one that pushes for the pursuit of power, possessions, and prestige, where significant value is placed on working long hours and multi-tasking in order to attain this definition of success, to one that is supporting the pursuit of a more individualized definition of success, where significant value is placed on personal well-being and engaging in goals that reflect a contribution to something bigger and better than just ourselves, such as our family, friends, communities and the world. Joining a group yoga class can be an amazing means to feed the soul’s purpose of connection through the opportunity to slow down just a bit to ‘be’ with other like-minded human ‘beings’ coming together with similar intentions. As groups gather to do yoga, whether in a yoga studio or in a park or on a beach, the collective energy created through the practice creates a sense of community and each individual feels connected, whether or not they even know the name of the person on the mat next to them.

The yoga teacher sets the tone for each class and each teacher has unique approaches to guiding students through a class, so finding the best combination of class and teacher may involve taking several yoga classes with different teachers before landing on one that feels best for you. Some teachers focus more on the mechanics of, or the anatomy involved in the poses, while others may focus more on the philosophy and teachings of yoga, while still others may offer ‘hands-on’ assists or adjustments in the poses.

As a yoga teacher, I enjoy guiding students through their practice by encouraging a focus on breath awareness and listening to their own bodies. To assist students in experiencing the full benefits of a regular yoga practice, I include:

  • A variety of asanas (poses) that build strength while increasing flexibility and balance in my classes
  • Yoga philosophy
  • Pranayama (controlled breathing)
  • Meditation

As a trauma-informed yoga teacher, trained by Zabie Yamasaki, founder of Transcending Sexual Violence through Yoga, I am very mindful about creating a sacred sanctuary of compassion to support my students in feeling safe to explore the mind-body connection through their yoga practice. As a LifeForce Yoga® for Mood Management certified yoga teacher, the sequences I guide address feelings of anxiety and depression, leaving students sensing more emotional balance in their practice and ultimately in their lives.

I am passionate about sharing the benefits that will naturally develop in students as a regular yoga practice is embraced. I get a great deal of satisfaction from assisting students on their personal journeys toward self-acceptance and unconditional love. I truly believe yoga provides a vehicle to healing and attaining balance in life as well as enhancing a student’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

With increased awareness and value for the basic human need to feel safe in order to heal and grow, I am currently teaching public group yoga classes in local yoga studios. Yoga studios provide space for smaller yoga classes that create a greater sense of community and more opportunity to find and connect with our tribe. Sensing safety and connection, students begin to transform their personal emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being on the mat, which is then brought out into their broader communities, contributing to the revolution of the collective consciousness of the world.

If you might be considering joining an in-person class, below are some options that might fit into your schedule.  Please reach out (linda@sanctuary4compassion.com) with questions.

Gentle Soul Flow

Thursday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Los Cab Sport Village
17272 Newhope Street
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
For more information, click here.

$Class/Membership pricing available here.

This gentle yoga class emphasizes movement, breathing and alignment.  Everyone moves at their own pace and range of motion.

Gentle/Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing and Yoga Nidra Meditation

Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Collective Energy Tribe
9055 Garfield Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
For more information, click here.

$Class/Membership pricing available here.

This class welcomes all students, regardless of past yoga experience, flexibility, strength and/or ability!  During the class, you will be guided through some gentle seated movements before moving into a restorative shape of choice.  You will be invited to use blankets, blocks, and bolsters to bring the body into a space of comfort and ease.  You will then experience the powerful sounds of the 7 Chakra-tuned crystal singing bowls to cleanse the body’s subtle energies.  We finish up with a guided Yoga Nidra meditation to calm the mind and nervous system.  This class is ideal for those who are looking for a gentle way to practice yoga in a supportive and nurturing environment or for those simply looking to unwind and de-stress.

Stretch Yoga Class

Friday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Collective Energy Tribe
9055 Garfield Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
For more information, click here.

$Class/Membership pricing available here.

As the name suggests, this class helps you stretch, not move your body into impressive shapes.  No flexibility is required as the intention of this class is to counter the effects of gravity and our mostly sedentary lifestyles. We’ll use breath to calm and relax the body and mind, along with slower more deliberate movement to open up stuck areas. This class utilizes body weight as well as props to help release tension in the body and improve posture, bringing balance and a greater connection between the mind and body.  This class is open to all students, regardless of past yoga experience, flexibility, strength and/or ability!

For more information, click here.

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